LEAP RESEARCH SPONSOR

ASIAN AMERICAN EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP REPORT 2020

R E S E A RC H F I N D I N G S
Top Characteristics of Asian American Leaders

Curiosity
Two key characteristics were identified from the data on the collective experiences of the
Asian American executives who span across multiple sectors.

KE Y CHARACTERISTIC

There wasn’t one discrete manner in which the leaders conveyed a sense of
curiosity. It surfaced in unique ways across all of the life stories.

EXAMPLES FROM LIFE STORIES

Adapt to Bridge Solve Desire to learn Gather

different cultural gaps challenging and expand experiences
environments and build business knowledge
connections problems and expertise

KE Y CHARACTERISTIC Desire to Serve Others

While desire to serve others manifested primarily in how the leaders led their
teams, the scope of desire to serve others varied across the leaders’ life stories.

EXAMPLES FROM LIFE STORIES

Understand, Developing Giving back to the Contributing to Desire to

support, and team Asian American the betterment be impetus
guide younger capabilities community of society for change
professionals and
team members
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ASIAN AMERICAN EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP REPORT 2020

KEY INSIGHTS
Interpretation of Research Findings
Following are the interpretations from the examination of the collected data. The three
insights represent the most visible to least visible aspects of the leaders.

Leadership Style
MOST VISIBLE
ASPECT OF
THESE LEADERS

Each leader spoke about exhibiting different styles. The following were
commonly shared styles across all the leaders:

Collaborative Empowering Open to On-Going Feedback

SOMEWHAT VISIBLE
Mindsets
These three overarching mindsets were prevalent in each of the leaders’
narratives and enabled them to attain high-level leadership positions.

Inquisitive Positive Confident

LEAST VISIBLE
ASPECTS OF
THESE LEADERS
Values
The leadership achievements of the executives demonstrated that the values
typically attributed to Asian cultures can play a positive role in leadership
attainment. For this group of leaders, the following values emerged during
the interviews:

Continuous Learning Collectivism Humility

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ASIAN AMERICAN EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP REPORT 2020

L E S S O N S F RO M L E A D E R S

Individuals
Suggestions for Individuals and Organizations

SELF REFLECT OBSERVE OTHERS PUSH BOUNDARIES BE OPEN

Develop the ability Observe other Push beyond Be open to

to self-reflect successful leaders boundaries to opportunities
and evolve as a and identify what develop new by developing
professional. makes them perspectives and experiences and
successful. skills. skills.

Organizations

REDEFINE LEADERSHIP CREATE SPACES REACH OUT

Reconsider the definition Offer programs that Include Asian Americans’

of leadership combining
the uniqueness of
Asian Americans and,
organizational, and societal
needs.
embrace leadership styles, diverse perspectives and
mindsets, and values that mindsets when navigating
develop and align to Asian change and uncertainty.
American leaders.